1.Woodstock, Vermont

Not the Woodstock you are probably thinking of, this small town in Vermont contains 3,200 residents spread among five even smaller villages and hamlets. But just because this isn't the site of the infamous music festival doesn't mean there aren't a bunch of great sites to take in.

2.New Shoreham, Rhode Island (aka Block Island)

Block Island, located just over 10 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island, has only one town — New Shoreham. While the main part of town is located right by the ferry terminal, you can rent bikes or Jeeps to travel all over the island. Though it only has about 1,000 year-round residents, Block Island welcomes up to 20,000 visitors a day during high season. Aside from one Ben & Jerry's, the island is free of chain stores, meaning it is great for local shopping and dining.

What to do: The main part of town is pretty small, so after walking around for a bit, you'll want to get out to explore the rest of the island. There are two great lighthouses — one on the north part of the island, the other on the southeast; hike along parts, or all, of the 25 miles worth of walking trails for great views of the ocean.

3.Rockport, Massachusetts

You might recognize Rockport as one of the filming locations of the 2009 film The Proposal. Even if you don't, this town of under 7,500 residents, stunning in its "quintessential New England seaside village" vibe, should be on your radar. Most people eschew northern Massachusetts in favor of Cape Cod, but Rockport proves why it's definitely worth heading up from Boston.

Where to eat:Top Dog for amazing hot dogs; any of the candy or ice cream shops along the Bearskin Neck drag.

What to do: Stroll up and down Bearskin Neck, a small area of land that juts into Rockport's harbor, stopping in at all the small craft stores along the way; check out The Paper House, a home constructed from actual newspaper; listen to live music at the Shalin Liu Performance Center.

4.Newport, Rhode Island

One of America's original vacation playgrounds for the rich and famous, Newport still retains much of the luxurious charm that made it so appealing to earlier generations. But although the city is perhaps best known for its larger-than-life mansions, it packs plenty of classic New England character as well.

5.Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a haven for nature lovers, known for its rugged coast and containing the largest parts of Acadia National Park. The town's name comes from a sandbar revealed during low tide that is used by kayakers and hikers as a launching point for exploration.

What to do: Check out the Kidder Hill Bridge, a classic New England covered bridge; enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing at Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center; wander the quaint Main Street, checking out galleries and the town's historical society.

7.Hanover, New Hampshire

Yes, Hanover is the home of Dartmouth College. And while the historic buildings around campus are a great draw, there are many other reasons to visit Hanover as well. And if your visit goes well, perhaps you might move here — Hanover has been named one of the best places to live by CNNMoney.

What to do: See the works on display at the Hood Museum of Art, on Dartmouth's campus; browse the literature at Left Bank Books; lounge around Dartmouth's green and people watch as students and faculty pass by.

8.Camden, Maine

Settlers first arrived in what is now Camden in the mid-18th century, and the town has grown since then to a population of just under 5,000 people. While the town was originally a haven for manufacturing, especially the creating of seafaring vessels, it is now most known as a fantastic tourist destination.

9.Dorset, Vermont

Lying in the highest valley between New York and Montreal, Dorset is the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend. Dorset is known for having some of the oldest marble quarries in the country, providing marble to landmarks like the New York City Library. Though the quarries aren't used as much anymore, they still make great swimming holes for the locals.

Where to stay:The Dorset Inn, a historic hotel that has been open for over 200 years.

10.Berkshire County, Massachusetts

OK, so this is kind of cheating, being a county and not a town. But although Berkshire County consists of numerous small municipalities (the largest, the city of Pittsfield, clocks in at under 50,000 residents), many consider "The Berkshires" to be a cohesive destination in and of itself. The area is known for its natural beauty, with gently rolling hills giving way to mountains for skiing, as well as a strong local arts scene.

What to do: View the contemporary art at Mass MoCA in North Adams; watch dancers perform in a natural setting at Jacob's Pillow in Becket; visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge and stroll around Main Street, which helped inspired some of Rockwell's work.

What to do: Check out the American Independence Museum to see an original printing of the Declaration of Independence as well as original drafts of the Constitution; wander the campus of Philips Exeter Academy to take in both historic architecture and buildings by modern masters like Louis Kahn.

12.Castine, Maine

Occupied since the early 1600s, Castine is one of the oldest communities in the United States. The settlement was occupied by the French, and even briefly by the Dutch, during its early history. Today, it is home to just under 1,500 permanent residents.

Where to stay: The Pentagoet Inn, a B&B experience in an old Queen Anne Victorian-style building.

13.Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Located on the northeastern shore of Martha's Vineyard, the town of Oak Bluffs is one of the island's main municipalities and a perfect spot from which to explore the rest of the island. The town is known for its unique, brightly colored "gingerbread cottages," which give the area a fairytale feel.

What to do: People watch in Ocean Park, surrounded by gingerbread cottages and across from the town beach; go shopping along Circuit Avenue, the town's main street; relive your childhood at the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest platform carousel in the country.

14.Falmouth, Massachusetts

With just over 30,000 people, Falmouth is actually one of the largest towns on this list. It's comprised of various villages, including Woods Hole, home to numerous marine science institutions that do research in the area. Unlike some of the more popular Cape towns, Falmouth is located on the lower part of the Cape — which gives you a whole different Cape experience.

15.Guilford, Connecticut

First organized in the 17th century, the town of Guilford is replete with reminders of its historic past. With many colonial and Victorian homes still standing, architecture is just one of Guilford's charms. There are various trails and parks where visitors can take in the sights of the Long Island Sound, along which Guilford is located.

16.Hancock, New Hampshire

A small town in southern New Hampshire, Hancock is easily accessible from many points in New England. The town considers its heart to be the historic meeting house, built in 1820, which is considered among the best Federal-style churches in the state.

Where to stay:The Hancock Inn, the oldest inn in the state, having been in operation since 1789.

17.Little Compton, Rhode Island

The area that makes up Little Compton was originally occupied by the Sakonnet peoples, giving name to the southernmost area in town, Sakonnet Point, which seems to jut out into the water. The English came in the late 17th century, and a few historic homes from that period remain standing to this day.

18.Wethersfield, Connecticut

Wethersfield prides itself on its historic character, maintaining various historic homes for visitors to tour and learn about the lives of early colonial residents. The Historic District, the largest in the state, includes 50 houses built before the Revolutionary War and 100 built by the time of the Civil War.

19.Kennebunkport, Maine

Perhaps infamous for being the site of the Bush family's summer compound, Kennebunkport is, in fact, much more than a destination for would-be political spies. With just around 3,500 residents, Kennebunkport may be small, but it is comprised of many different areas with different personalities — the Lower Village, which acts as a "downtown" in many ways, Cape Porpoise, a small fishing village, and Goose Rocks Beach, the town's coastline.

20.Marblehead, Massachusetts

With just over 20,000 residents, Marblehead is actually one of the larger towns on this list. The town has enjoyed a long history as a fishing port, though now focuses more on yachting and boating in Marblehead Harbor. Due to its role in the Revolutionary War, the town claims the (disputed) title of Birthplace of the American Navy.

What to do: Explore Fort Sewall, a historic fort used to defend against the British during revolutionary times; lay out on Devereux Beach, located along the sides of the narrow strip of land connecting the main town to Marblehead Neck; tour the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, built in 1768.

21.Washington, Connecticut

Named for George Washington himself, the town of Washington has been around since 1779. Though once a farming community, and later home to various small mills and factories, Washington is now a residential community with a focus on cultural activities.

22.Montpelier, Vermont

It may be the state capital, but don't be fooled — Montpelier is a charming, small town at heart. And, as the nation's smallest state capital, you certainly won't be overwhelmed by political hustle and bustle during your stay.

23.Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

Having only been incorporated in 1962, Sugar Hill is one of the youngest towns in the state of New Hampshire, and one of the smallest as well, with a population of just over 500 people. The town is conveniently located near many ski centers, making it an ideal base for a winter getaway.

24.Provincetown, Massachusetts

Situated at the far tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is as far out as you can travel before there's nowhere else to go. Provincetown is famed for being one of the most LGBT-friendly towns in the country, but it is much more than just that. Provincetown is a haven for the arts, especially, from theater to painting.

Where to stay:Boatslip Resort, a destination for LGBT travelers and home to the famous Tea Dance in summer; Carpe Diem Guesthouse, an adults-only spa resort for those looking for a grown-up vacation.